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Robichaud High School wins Comerica Bank Grand Slam Grant

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Press Release |

Comerica Bank and the Detroit Tigers surprised unsuspecting students and faculty of Robichaud High School in Dearborn Heights with a $10,000 Grand Slam Grant to benefit its baseball and softball programs.

Comerica and Detroit Tigers representatives announced the Robichaud Bulldogs baseball team was selected as the 2014 Southeast Michigan Grand Slam Grant recipient during a surprise pep rally featuring celebrity emcee Shannon Hogan of Fox Sports Detroit, Detroit Tigers mascot PAWS, the Detroit Tigers DTE Energy Squad, entertainment from 98.7 AMP Radio and a special congratulatory video message from Detroit Tigers outfielder Rajai Davis, who served as a celebrity judge on the Grand Slam Grant selection committee.

"High school sports help teach our youth responsibility, build character and demonstrate the importance of working hard as a team when striving towards athletic and personal success," said Michael T. Ritchie, president, Comerica Bank-Michigan. "We are honored for the opportunity to support Michigan communities through the Grand Slam Grant program and wish the Robichaud Bulldogs good luck on their upcoming baseball and softball seasons."

Robichaud plans to use the grant proceeds to complete the renovation of its high school ball fields, resolving infield drainage issues and allowing them to be immediately playable.

The Bulldogs baseball and softball teams have also been invited to participate in an on-field check presentation prior to the Detroit Tigers opening weekend game against the Baltimore Orioles on Saturday, April 5, where Athletic Director Vernon Crump Sr. will throw out the ceremonial first pitch.

The Comerica Bank Grand Slam Grant program was created in 2011 to help public high schools in Michigan create, expand or improve their baseball or softball programs. Mona Shores High School in Muskegon was the 2014 Central/West Michigan Grand Slam Grant recipient. Past winners include Cass Technical High School, Lincoln Park High School, Detroit Renaissance High School, Holland High School and Kalamazoo Central High School.

ABOUT COMERICA BANK:
Comerica Bank, with 214 banking centers in Michigan, is a subsidiary of Comerica Incorporated. Founded in Detroit in 1849, Comerica continues to invest in Michigan. Last year its community support, which includes charitable contributions and volunteer labor hours, totaled approximately $4 million. Comerica Incorporated (NYSE: CMA) is a financial services company strategically aligned by three business segments: The Business Bank, The Retail Bank, and Wealth Management. Comerica focuses on relationships, and helping people and businesses be successful.

ABOUT THE DETROIT TIGERS:

The Detroit Tigers, Inc., a charter member of the American League in 1901, have won four World Series and 11 American League pennants. The team is owned by Michael Ilitch who purchased the ballclub in 1992. Michael and his wife, Marion, jointly own other companies in the food, sports and entertainment industries including: Little Caesars Pizza, Blue Line Foodservice Distribution, the Detroit Red Wings, Olympia Entertainment, Olympia Development. Little Caesars Pizza Kit Fundraising Program, Champion Foods, Uptown Entertainment and Ilitch Holdings, Inc. Marian Ilitch is the sole owner of MotorCity Casino Hotel. For more information, visit www.tigers.com.